AMERICAN LEAGUE BUZZ

Pitching for the first time in a Baltimore uniform, Jaret Wright tossed a scoreless first inning Sunday. Wright was supposed to go two innings, but his pitch count was too high for him to return for a second inning. "The last time I was in a game was last year," Wright said. "I was getting the rust off."

Closer Mariano Rivera will pitch for the first time this spring today against Detroit. . . . Many of the players have switched from their powerful energy drinks to tea, particularly green tea, which is rich in antioxidants. Yankees Manager Joe Torre, a spokesman for Bigelow Green Tea, drinks pints of the stuff every day. "It has become more a part of our lifestyles," Torre said.

South Korean RHP Jae Kuk Ryu limited the Blue Jays to a single in two shutout innings as a starter Sunday. Nine of his 10 appearances for the Cubs last season were out of the bullpen. "Starter or reliever, same thing," he said. "Closer, if they want. I can do anything."

Toronto Blue Jays

OF Reed Johnson (lower back strain) is still taking it easy, Manager John Gibbons said. . . . LHP Jo Matumoto became the first Brazilian to appear in a major league game of any type when he relieved in the ninth inning on Sunday.

RHP Jon Garland pitched three scoreless innings Sunday. He allowed two hits, walked one and struck out one.

Cleveland Indians

Cs Victor Martinez (4-for-6), Mike Rose (5-for-7) and Kelly Shoppach (2-for-2) are hitting a combined .733 with two homers, five doubles and eight RBIs this spring. . . . Non-roster 2B Luis Rivas got a big ovation for turning a bad-hop grounder into an out Sunday. He also beat out a bunt for a hit. "There's a long way to go, but he's made a good first impression," Manager Eric Wedge said.

Gary Sheffield is taking on more of an elder-statesman clubhouse role. Already, Manager Jim Leyland has seen the influence Sheffield could have on young Tigers such as Craig Monroe, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames and uber-prospect Cameron Maybin. "He's been great, talking to some of the kids," Leyland says. "If I was a young hitter, I'd talk to Gary Sheffield. I'd certainly listen. You don't have to but it would be foolish to have that kind of experience and ability [on hand] and not take advantage of it."

Scott Baker gave up five runs in two innings Sunday, inflating his ERA to 24.30. . . . Michael Cuddyer's solo home run was the Twins' only offense.

WEST

Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson is expected to make his Cactus League debut today at home against the Oakland Athletics. Manager Mike Scioscia said Anderson's delay in playing wasn't because of any specific problem, it was just to give his left fielder some time to round into shape. "For him to get into games, you want to make sure you have a foundation under him, make sure he has all the stiffness out of his legs," Scioscia said. . . . RHP Chris Bootcheck struck out three and allowed one hit in two scoreless innings Sunday. Matt Wilhite worked a scoreless ninth for the win.

Oakland Athletics

SS Bobby Crosby, the 2004 AL Rookie of the Year, faced live pitching Sunday for the first time this spring and showed no lingering effects from the back injury that sidelined him for the final two months last season.